Improve Your Outdoor Pathways With This Dirt Recipe

Pathways in your garden can help you get to many parts of your yard in the least amount of time. They can also provide a visual interest and create a barrier between sections of your garden. The right path can help you cut down on mowing time, as well. Whether you are creating a new pathway or renovating your existing one, there are a number of ways to make the path more appealing and easier to navigate.

Several options exist for the material used to create your pathway. The most common materials include granite, slate, limestone and sandstone. Other types include wood and concrete. If you plan to install a pathway that is more than a few feet in length, you will also need a stepping stone.

When selecting a path material, you should look for materials that are at least an inch thick and made from wood or stone. You can also add a border material to form the base of your path. This will help hold the soil in place. In addition, a layer of mulch will add more texture to the path.

Another option is to line your path with newspaper. Newspaper works as a barrier and helps keep weeds from taking hold. However, newspapers will break down in a couple of years. Alternatively, you could use landscape fabric instead. It is a good idea to leave a layer of newspaper under the mulch. Decomposed Granite Creating a curved path will help make a narrow space feel bigger and more interesting.

For a more natural looking path, you can add wood chips. These are typically mixed with softwood and hardwood trees. They can be a cheaper alternative to bricks and are easy to use. Make sure your path is at least 18 inches wide to allow you to easily pass a wheelbarrow. Also, be sure to compact the wood chip paths. Lastly, weeds tend to like small stones, so be careful when placing them.

To make a path, you can use a pick mattock, a garden spade, or a combination of both. A stepping stone will give your path some extra character. Using this combination of tools will ensure a beautiful, functional and affordable pathway that you can enjoy for a long time to come.